Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre is a non-profit community theater group in Peru, Indiana founded in 1964.

We were named after John Sigvard "Ole" Olsen who was born in Peru, Indiana on November 6, 1892. 

The son of a Norwegian immigrant who was a boilermaker for the railroad, "Ole" graduated from Northwestern University in 1912 with a degree in music and hit the Vaudeville circuit. 

His ambition was to make people laugh, and is remembered for the quote, "May you live as long as you laugh, and laugh as long as you live."

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Auditions

The easiest way to get involved in our theater is to attend an audition. Auditions are announced here and on our Facebook group page. You may also send us a message on Facebook, use our contact form at the bottom of this page or email [email protected]. 

Guidelines for auditioning for a play: Each show's director has specific needs for the audition, and you may contact the show's director (their contact info will be posted here once they've set audition dates) to look over a script before the audition. 

Guidelines for auditioning for a musical: Each show's director has specific needs, however, have a song prepared to sing for us when you arrive. 
 

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How Ole Olsen Memorial Theater Operates
Our theater operates on ticket and merchandise sales, memberships, sponsorships, and your donations. We also have fundraisers such as memorial brick sales and the rental of our depot, gazebo, and garden.

If you would like to rent the depot, gazebo, and/or garden for your event, please contact Bryan: [email protected]

If you would like to purchase a memorial brick, please contact our board secretary: [email protected]
 

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 Ole Olsen Board Members for the 2026 - 2027 Season

President: Bryan Bertoline
Vice President: Tina Foust                                                                                                                                                                 Treasurer: OPEN if interested email [email protected]
Secretary: Lynn Weil
Ticket Director: Brandi Murphy
Publicity Director: Debby Myers
Hospitality Director: Chris Cox
Member at Large: Stu Sullivan
Production Director: Shanna Stoll

Children's Theater Director: Dustin Huddleston

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Become an Ole Olsen Member!

We are all volunteers striving to continue a 60-year tradition of offering a variety of entertainment to our community.

You can get involved too! You can run lights and/or sound, help build sets, help with makeup and costumes, direct a show, or act in a show, email President Bryan Bertoline at [email protected]

'Voting' Membership:

The cost of the voting membership is $14, which entitles you to the following:

• Vote in the selection for slate of plays
• Vote in the election for Ole Board of Directors
• Be eligible to run for an Ole Board position.
• Participate in Ole productions
• Receive an Ole Olsen newsletter
• Receive a FREE ticket to a show in the present season
• Become a member anytime, but voting rights will only be permitted if you join at least 30 days before the April annual meeting.
• Drop your payment in the mail slot at the depot
• Mail it to 154 S Broadway Peru, IN 46970
• Make a donation on the website by clicking the donation button. In the checkout screen in the comments please type in: membership.

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Next up - Our Children's Theater production of “School House Rock” on Aug 7 & 8 at 6pm, Aug 9 at 2pm at the Peru Depot. Tickets will only be sold at the door!